25-Minute Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Every December, my kitchen transforms into a cookie factory, but these Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies always steal the show. I stumbled upon this magical combo one snowy afternoon when I mixed leftover holiday peppermints into my classic peanut butter dough—now it’s our family’s most requested treat. The way creamy peanut butter hugs melted chocolate while peppermint adds a festive crunch? Absolute perfection. These cookies come together in under 30 minutes (seriously!), yet taste like you spent all day baking. Trust me, one bite of that sweet-salty-pepperminty goodness, and you’ll be hiding the batch from your kids—or maybe that’s just me!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies aren’t just delicious – they’re downright magical. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to holiday treat:

• Quick & easy: You’re just 10 minutes away from cookie dough heaven – no mixer needed!
• Irresistible flavor combo: That sweet peanut butter base with melty chocolate and cool peppermint crunch? Pure bliss.
• Festive but not fussy: They look holiday-fancy with their peppermint sparkle but take half the effort of decorated sugar cookies.
• Crowd-pleaser: My pickiest eaters and foodie friends all beg for these – they disappear faster than I can bake them!
• Perfect texture: Crispy edges with a chewy center that stays soft for days (if they last that long).

Seriously, these cookies check all the boxes – easy, delicious, and totally gift-worthy!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies (and yes, every single ingredient matters!):

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Not the natural kind! We need that smooth, spreadable texture (trust me, I learned this the hard way)
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering the other flavors
• 1 large egg – Room temperature works best for even mixing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – The good stuff makes a difference here
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Or go wild with dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy
• ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies – I use candy canes from my kids’ stockings – just smash ’em in a baggie!

See? Simple ingredients, magical results. Now let’s get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required – just grab these basics from your kitchen:

• A medium mixing bowl (I use my favorite chipped ceramic one – it’s seen many cookie batches!)
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Baking sheet (line it with parchment if you’re smart – saves cleanup time)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for those perfect little mounds)

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ready to make the easiest, most addictive holiday cookies ever? Follow these simple steps – I’ve included all my little tricks to ensure cookie perfection!

Mixing the Dough

First, grab that bowl and wooden spoon – we’re going old-school here! Mix the peanut butter and sugar until they’re completely combined and look like wet sand. Crack in the egg and add vanilla, stirring until the batter turns smooth and glossy (about 1-2 minutes of good arm exercise!). Now the fun part – gently fold in those chocolate chips and crushed peppermints. Don’t overmix here – we want pockets of melty chocolate and peppermint crunch in every bite!

Baking the Cookies

Use your cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet – I do about 1½ inch mounds with space between them (they’ll spread a bit!). Bake for exactly 10-12 minutes – no more! They’ll look underdone when you pull them out (that’s good!), but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack – this prevents crumbly disasters. Pro tip: If you can resist, wait until they’re fully cooled for that perfect chewy texture!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

After baking dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few secrets for cookie perfection:

• Parchment paper is your friend: No sticking, easy cleanup, and perfectly golden bottoms every time.
• The underbake trick: Pull them out when the edges are set but centers still look soft – they’ll finish cooking on the hot pan.
• Crush peppermints finely: Big chunks look pretty but can be too intense – aim for pea-sized pieces.
• Cool completely before storing: Toss them in an airtight container too soon, and they’ll steam into sogginess.

Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll have bakery-worthy cookies every single time!

Variations for Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Want to mix things up? This dough is practically begging for creativity! Swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate if you love that rich bite. Not a peppermint fan? Skip it—the peanut butter-chocolate duo still shines. Feeling fancy? Press a whole peppermint candy on top of warm cookies for extra holiday sparkle. My neighbor swears by adding a pinch of sea salt to the dough for sweet-salty magic. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a zip-top bag – they’ll keep for 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when that holiday cookie craving hits!

Nutritional Information

While I’m all about indulgence during the holidays, I know some folks like to keep track – these are estimated values per cookie and may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. The peanut butter gives you protein, while the peppermint adds a little festive pep to your step!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of questions about these Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies – here are the answers to the most common ones!

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?

You can, but the texture will change! Creamy peanut butter gives that perfect smooth bite, while crunchy adds extra texture. If you go crunchy, I’d chop the chocolate chips smaller so everything blends beautifully.

How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature. If they last that long! You’ll know they’re past their prime if they get dry or the chocolate looks dull.

Why Do My Cookies Spread Too Much?

This usually means your peanut butter was too warm or oily. Next time, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking – it makes all the difference! Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool between batches.

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months – just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time when you’re ready!

Share Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

I’d love to see your cookie creations! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking adventures. Leave a comment below if you tried any fun variations or have questions. Happy baking, friends!

Print